Brunch at Bombay Brasserie

Happy New Year!!! 2017 was a great year for food and I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store.

With that in mind – I hope it’s more brunch! Brunch, an elaborate late morning ritual dedicated to social gatherings with delicious staples such as pancakes, eggs and mimosas. And whilst I wouldn’t have my weekend any other way… I must make a confession – stepping out of my comfort zone for brunch isn’t really my thing. The staples are called just that for a reason.

But 2017 was a year to try different things, after all this blog started then! So when I was invited to come for brunch at Bombay Brasserie (BB), I metaphorically jumped at it.

Situated near Gloucester Road, it’s innate sense of old-Bombay charm takes over from its regal inspired bar to its high ceiling conservatory styled dining room.

Photo credit: Bombay Brasserie

Upon entering you are warmly greeted by BB’s staff who make a conscious effort to provide you with attentive service. The brunch menu is a buffet split into starters, mains and desserts (and accompaniments) – the choice is lavish and plentiful and priced at £36pp it’s very good value for money. I know what you’re thinking… ‘a buffet – really?’ I had the same thought but it wasn’t until I sat down with head chef Prahlad Hegde that I fully understood the concept.

Prahlad has been working with the Taj group for the past 30 years, he started in Mumbai before taking over as head chef in BB in 1991. Prahlad wanted to stay true to the roots of Bombay (now Mumbai) – a place which he describes as a melting point for all the various regions and cuisines of the country. Fusion wasn’t an option as he wanted to keep the basics right. However, Prahlad faced a few hurdles when he started 26 years ago – London was not accustom to the diversity of Indian cuisine and especially that of a high end establishment. Customers didn’t realise they were eating Indian food but the flavours enticed them enabling BB to expand and now seat 220.

The brunch has an aim to highlight street food by cooking something live – the chaat station makes delicious bhel, sev puri and pani puri! The bhel is an absolute must and takes me back to the stalls of Mumbai.

And if chaat isn’t your thing then there’s other starters too! The kalimirch ka jheenga were crisp and peppery whilst the cranberry murg tikka was succulent with subtle sweet notes running through it.

All food is cooked on the day which is evident through the freshness portrayed by each dish. My favourite mains included the rosemary suwa mahi, which is a perfectly spiced melt-in-your mouth tilapia, methi paneer bhurji and aloo khada masala. The lamb biryani boasts flavour and cooked traditionally on dum. I also tried crowd pleaser Palak patta chaat, a crispy spinach and lotus stem chaat which I enjoyed despite my distaste for yoghurt!

The menu varies each day and Prahlad’s team of ten innovate new dishes that fits the establishment – Home cooking done to orders.

Whilst I have raved on about BB and all it’s delight, I will say this – dessert wasn’t for me – but that will not stop me from re-visiting frequently and trying everything that team have to offer. If you’re looking for a historical ambient experience showcasing Indian cuisine then Bombay Brasserie is definitely for you.